After our time in Livingstone came to an end (see part 2; The Tongabezi Experience), it is off to Zambia's famed Lower Zambezi valley, home to amazing wildlife and the Lower Zambezi National Park. Taking in some canoeing on the Zambezi River while staying at Sausage Tree Lodge and Old Mondoro.
Sausage Tree Camp is set in a stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This is in the heart of the best game viewing area. The camp and very welcoming pool overlook many narrow channels teeming with game, offering the amazing Zambezi escarpment as the backdrop.
We enjoyed boat cruises, sundowners, day and night game drives, an early morning canoe amongst hippos and crocs, tiger fishing and even a surprise lunch in the Zambezi River.
Sausage Tree also offers walks with highly skilled and trained rangers. Elephants are seen in camp on a daily basis. Game viewing is excellent, with an extremely high chance of spotting wild dog, leopard, lion, hippo and buffalo, to name but a few, during your stay.
After returning from our morning canoe excursion on our first morning - hot and exhausted - we were told we would be "going out" for lunch. Obviously, we were all a bit dumb-struck, like where does one "go out" for lunch in the Lower Zambezi? So we all boarded our boat, and as we turned the first bend, we couldn't believe what we saw, a table, chairs, barbeque, drinks table and shaded thatch enclosure all set up IN the Zambezi River. The camp crew were all standing ankle-deep waiting for us, cocktails in hand. And so we sat ankle-deep in the Zambezi and enjoyed our delicious barbeque and cocktails. This was most definitely one of the highlights of my trip, one which I will remember forever!
Sausage Tree Camp is an ideal family-friendly as well as a Honeymoon destination; there is something here for everyone.
Old Mondoro; From Sausage Tree to Old Mondoro, it is an approx. A 45-minute boat ride, although that definitely depends on how many times you stop to take pictures!
Old Mondoro (the Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area) is one of the most intimate and private safari camps in the Lower Zambezi, offering only 8 beds.
On our afternoon arrival at the camp, we soon embarked on a game drive which quickly turned into a night drive after we had stopped on the banks to enjoy our sundowners. We were extremely lucky with our sightings, having spotted two young male lions, three porcupines (my first ever sighting), hippos running amok, buffalo, five genets, as well as a bushbaby which we were told was the first sighting in two seasons!
Other activities on offer include canoeing, game viewing by motorboat, tiger-fishing (catch and release), as well as bush walks - there are some excellent walking areas right from the camp, and I've been told this is the best walking area in the Lower Zambezi.
It is a very rustic camp - quite different from the likes of Sausage Tree where we had just come from - with no electricity (paraffin lamps bring the camp alive after dark), offering a fantastic "back to basics" experience. If you need your hairdryer, then perhaps this is not the camp for you.
The Lower Zambezi Experience by Uyaphi.com
- Shumba Camp
Shumba Camp offers travellers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty and diversity of African wildlife. Whether it's the thrill of a game drive, the tranquillity of bird watching, or the unique experience of a walking safari, Shumba Camp promises an unforgettable sojourn into the wild.
Here, amidst the raw and majestic landscapes of the Kafue National Park, every moment becomes a cherished memory, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
- Puku Ridge Camp
Puku Ridge Camp offers a truly intimate atmosphere, providing guests with a unique and authentic safari experience nestled under canvas. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that stretch over the lush South Luangwa floodplain below, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
Each of the seven generously sized tented suites boasts picture windows that frame the picturesque floodplain, inviting you to relax on your private viewing deck and witness the wonders of the surrounding South Luangwa wilderness.
- Luangwa River Camp
Nestled under a majestic canopy of giant ebony trees on the picturesque banks of the South Luangwa River, Luangwa River Camp welcomes guests to a haven where incredible wildlife sightings and diverse bird species await at every turn.
The camp boasts a team of highly knowledgeable and experienced guides and trackers who are passionate about showcasing the beauty of the surroundings, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. All this is complemented by exceptional service that caters to every guest's comfort and enjoyment.
- Chindeni Bushcamp
Nestled amid the unspoiled beauty of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, Chindeni Bushcamp offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury along the banks of the Luangwa River. This hidden gem beckons you to escape the hustle of modern life and immerse yourself in a landscape where nature sets the pace.
With its rare mix of tranquillity and thrill, Chindeni Bushcamp promises not only a vacation but also a transformative journey into the wilderness.
- Chisa Busanga Camp
Chisa Busanga Camp is a remarkable retreat that embodies the essence of tranquillity and natural beauty. Tucked away in the vast expanse of Zambia's Kafue National Park, this exclusive safari lodge is a celebration of innovative eco-tourism and architectural ingenuity.
Inspired by the nests of weaver birds, Chisa Busanga offers a unique lodging experience that harmoniously blends with its pristine surroundings. Chisa Camp's dedication to sustainability, from its solar-powered facilities to its silent electric safaris, sets a benchmark in responsible tourism.
- Busanga Bush Camp
Nestled within the unspoiled wilderness of Kafue National Park, Busanga Bush Camp offers a retreat into the heart of Africa's rugged beauty. This exclusive bush camp combines the essence of an authentic safari experience with the luxury and intimacy of a bespoke eco-friendly lodge.
Whether you seek the thrill of game drives, the tranquillity of bird-watching, or the unique experience of nocturnal explorations, your stay at Busanga Bushcamp promises a blend of adventure and serenity unmatched anywhere else.